1.5 years later, it’s crickets for parking-free downtown Decatur proposal

Josh Green

Wed, 02/05/2025 – 15:22

This month marks a year and ½ since a downtown Decatur project came to light that was cheered by Atlanta urbanists for its innovative approach to parking—or lack thereof.

But despite earning the Decatur Planning Commission’s unanimous approval in 2023 and other commendations at the city level, the dual-branded Hilton hotel has yet to break ground, and no one involved seems willing to discuss where it stands.

Numerous inquiries regarding the project’s status to Hilton, city officials, and Harrison Properties—a commercial firm trying to lease a portion of existing offices at the 213 Swanton Way site, per signage there—have not garnered responses, dating back to before Christmas.

Spokespeople for the City of Decatur directed more recent inquires to project developer Vision Hospitality Group, but those also weren’t returned this week.

The Hilton concept would replace three small surface parking lots and low-rise office buildings on Swanton Way, just east of Decatur’s Historic Square.

Signage at the site indicates one longtime tenant, Decatur Atlanta Printing, has recently relocated to Tucker.

Harrison Properties’ signage indicates about 5,000 square feet is available for a short-term lease in existing buildings.

The proposed, dual-branded hotel site today along Commerce Drive. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Detailed look at the building’s eastern face over Ponce de Leon Place. Vision Hospitality Group; designs, BCA Studios architecture

According to earlier filings, the project’s two brands would be Tempo, a new lifestyle-focused flag, and Homewood Suites, Hilton’s extended-stay brand.

The seven-story proposal is most notable in that it would include no vehicle-parking component, instead tapping existing space in nearby garages.

The 241-room hotel would consume about half a block behind Taco Mac Decatur, between two large parking decks; one is located at 1 W. Court Square near the DeKalb County Courthouse, and the other stands just east near Inner Voice Brewing, currently used by The Task Force for Global Health.

Both parking structures stand within 300 feet of the hotel site, developers have said. The 1 W. Court Square parking deck alone has 493 spaces.

Vision Hospitality was aiming to enter into long-term agreements with owners of those decks to use excess parking, operating an around-the-clock valet for hotel guests who arrive by car instead of building parking into the hotel. A food-and-beverage tenant called Bluestone Lane café would be situated at the corner of Ponce de Leon Place, opposite the brewery, per 2023 plans.

Vision Hospitality officials previously told the DDA they expect many hotel guests would arrive via MARTA or rideshare services.

Hotel plans also call for adding more street trees and a fully protected bike lane.

The planned cafe component opposite Inner Voice Brewing and other food-and-beverage businesses. Vision Hospitality Group; designs, BCA Studios architecture

Surface parking in front of the longtime home of Decatur Atlanta Printing, which has recently relocated to Tucker, and other tenants. Urbanize Atlanta

The hotel project would be advantageous “for the development of trade, commerce, industry, and employment” while activating unused parking around the DeKalb County seat, per the DDA.

Find a more detailed look at Hilton’s (former?) plans for downtown Decatur in the gallery above.

The half-block in question at 213 Swanton Way, just east of Decatur’s Historic Square. Google Maps